Vettel denies growing tension with Ferrari

When the non-renewal of Sebastian Vettel in Ferrari was announced on May 12, there was a risk that the second half of the year would turn into a long and painful divorce, even more so if performance and results were not there. 

After a particularly trying English double for him at Silverstone, the four-time world champion no longer knew how to explain his difficulties behind the wheel and did not hide his annoyance with the Scuderia's strategic choices during the 70th Anniversary GP.  

Mattia Binotto, his team principal, retorted that Vettel's 2nd English meeting had turned sour due to a half-spin which caused him to fall to last place on the first lap. Atmosphere. 

So, are we seeing an escalation of tensions between Ferrari and its future ex-driver?

« I do not agree with this statement, retorted Vettel. We try to do everything to improve but the situation is never relaxed when things are not going your way. There is no point in judging emotions directly, they are not representative of reality.

My race wasn't great, we could have adopted another strategy, we didn't. We discussed it and resolved the matter before moving on. The atmosphere within the stable is no different from other weekends ». 

Which doesn't mean that it's necessarily good, but let's move on. Vettel will use a new chassis this week after the Scuderia discovered a crack in the previous monocoque. 

The German suffered from the direct comparison with his teammate Charles Leclerc, author of a podium and a convincing 4th place at Silverstone. Asked if his place at Maranello in 2020 could be threatened in the event of an accumulation of poor results, Vettel, 13th in the Drivers' standings, answered in the negative. 

« We didn't consider this possibility, we didn't even talk about it, added the former pilot Red Bull. After all, it's not just a question for me. I know what I am capable of. So far, I haven't had the best start to the season, but if things settle down and a good opportunity presents itself, I'll take it. ». 

Finally, Vettel assured that he was confident of receiving the same treatment and equipment as Leclerc during another delicate media day for the four-time world champion.